§ 8. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for War the circumstances in which T/22201187 Private Fred Hassall, Royal Army Service Corps, received gun-shot wounds, resulting in his death, on 14th July, 1949, at Trieste, particulars of which have already been sent him.
§ Mr. ShinwellA full investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of Private Hassall is being carried out. When this has been completed I will write to the hon. and gallant Member. I should, however, like to take this opportunity of expressing my sympathy with Private Hassall's parents in their distress.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyWhile appreciating what is being done, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the parents in the first instance received a telegram intimating that their son had died, and that a day afterwards they received a very detailed report from a news correspondent? Surely it would be better if War Office officials gave a little bit more information to let parents know the circumstances in which their sons died?
§ Mr. ShinwellNo, I do not agree with the hon. and gallant Gentleman. It would be most improper to convey information to the parents of the deceased soldiers unless we were fully informed of the facts. In this particular instance we have yet to complete inquiries.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect to have the facts so that the parents will know?
§ Mr. ShinwellWe have asked the Command to furnish the informaion with a sense of urgency.